Did Beyoncé Divide the Country Music Scene?

Beyoncé's unexpected win for Best Country Album at the Grammy Awards last year sparked significant conversation about the future of country music, leading to the Recording Academy's decision to split the award into two distinct categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album. This change reflects the genre's evolution and the blending of diverse musical influences, aiming to honour both its historic roots and contemporary innovations.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

This year's Grammy Awards will feature a newly divided country music category, which has garnered considerable attention following Beyoncé's groundbreaking victory last year. The decision to create separate awards for traditional and contemporary country aims to better represent the genre's diverse sounds and its evolving nature, with nominees reflecting both established artists and newcomers who bring a fresh perspective to the genre.

Key takeaways

Beyoncé's Grammy win last year highlighted tensions within the country music community.
The Recording Academy has split the Best Country Album category into Best Traditional and Best Contemporary.
This change aims to honour the genre's roots while embracing its modern influences.
Notable nominees this year reflect a blend of established and emerging artists.
The shift may indicate a broader trend towards inclusivity and diversity in country music.

Timeline: how we got here

The evolution of country music and its recognition at the Grammy Awards has been ongoing. Key milestones include:

2019: Lil Nas X releases "Old Town Road," which merges country and hip-hop influences.
2022: Beyoncé wins the Grammy for Best Country Album for "Cowboy Carter." This win raises questions about the genre's boundaries.
2023: The Recording Academy announces the split of the Best Country Album award into two distinct categories.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The separation of the Best Country Album category into traditional and contemporary reflects an ongoing dialogue about the genre’s evolution. This change comes in light of Beyoncé's win and the subsequent discussions about what defines country music in modern times.

What was already established

Prior to this change, the Grammy Awards had seen various adjustments to categories in response to evolving musical landscapes, including the differentiation between rock, metal, and alternative genres. This has been indicative of a broader trend within the music industry to adapt to changing tastes and cultural influences.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK audiences, the changes in the Grammy categories may influence how country music is perceived and consumed. With an influx of diverse artists and sounds, listeners may find themselves drawn to a wider range of country music that blends traditional elements with contemporary styles.

Businesses and jobs

The shift in categories may also affect the business landscape for artists and labels. Increased recognition for diverse talents could lead to more opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the genre, potentially expanding the market for country music both domestically and internationally.

Policy and regulation

As the Recording Academy continues to evolve its recognition of country music, it may prompt discussions within the UK's own music industry about how to support and promote diverse voices. This could lead to changes in policies regarding awards and recognition for various genres.

Numbers that matter

95: Total categories at the Grammy Awards, showcasing the expansive nature of musical recognition.
2: The newly established categories for Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album.
1: Number of black country artists who have won mainstream awards, showcasing the ongoing struggle for representation.
2019: The year "Old Town Road" became a cultural phenomenon, highlighting genre crossover.
5: Notable nominees from both categories, including legends and emerging stars.

Definitions and jargon buster

Traditional Country: Refers to country music that adheres to classic sounds and themes.
Contemporary Country: Encompasses modern influences, including pop and hip-hop elements.
Recording Academy: The organisation that awards the Grammy Awards, responsible for recognising excellence in the music industry.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Grammy Awards approach, expect increased media coverage and public discourse on the implications of this category change. Industry professionals may begin to discuss how they will adapt their work to align with the evolving landscape.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the awards, the music industry may witness a surge in interest for artists spanning both traditional and contemporary genres. This could lead to new collaborations and genre-blending projects that further redefine country music.

Signals to watch

Future nominations and wins that reflect the diversity within country music.
Emerging artists and crossover hits that challenge traditional definitions of the genre.
Discussions within the UK music industry about how to embrace and promote diverse influences.

Practical guidance

Do

Explore and support a range of country artists, both traditional and contemporary.
Engage with discussions about the evolution of music genres in the media.
Attend live performances to experience the diversity within the genre firsthand.

Don’t

Dismiss emerging artists based on preconceived notions of the genre.
Overlook the historical contributions of diverse artists in shaping country music.
Assume that the changes are purely a reaction to recent events; they are part of a larger trend.

Checklist

Familiarise yourself with the nominees for the upcoming Grammy Awards.
Identify artists who represent both traditional and contemporary styles.
Consider how the changes in category might impact your music listening habits.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the changes to the Grammy categories may reflect progress and inclusivity, there remains uncertainty about how the country music community will respond. Some traditionalists may still resist the blending of genres, and ongoing discussions about diversity and representation are likely to continue. As with any change, it will take time for the industry to fully adapt and embrace the evolving landscape.

Bottom line

The split of the Best Country Album category into traditional and contemporary reflects a necessary evolution within the genre, acknowledging both its history and its future. For UK audiences, this change could enhance the appreciation of a more diverse range of country music, encouraging broader engagement with the genre.

FAQs

What is the significance of Beyoncé's Grammy win?

Beyoncé's Grammy win for Best Country Album was significant as it challenged traditional notions of the genre and sparked conversations about inclusivity and representation in country music.

How has the country music genre evolved recently?

The country music genre has evolved by incorporating influences from pop, rap, and hip-hop, leading to a blending of styles that reflects contemporary tastes.

What are the new Grammy categories for country music?

The new Grammy categories for country music are Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album, aimed at recognising the distinct sounds and influences within the genre.